ELLEN POMPEO, 36 (Dr. Meredith Grey)
Playing homicidal characters "was really difficult," says Pompeo of her two Law & Order stints in 1996 and 2000. "I wouldn't have been able to do it if not for [late L&O star] Jerry Orbach. Working with him was a great experience." Seen here in with Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Moonlight Mile' in 2002.
